Movies like Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition (1994)
The best movies like Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition (1994) are High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020), The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022). If Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)7.1/10 from 295 votes
- Newestmeppets (2026)Released 2026
High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020)
The cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” delivers an abundance of feel-good holiday cheer as they perform their favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s songs and share their fondest holiday memories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGuillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022)
With mesmerizing footage and time lapses of animators at work, this behind-the-scenes special captures the artistry of a unique tale years in the making.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear (2022)
Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStar Wars Biomes (2021)
Take a virtual vacation to some of the Star Wars films' most iconic and beloved locations like Hoth, Tatooine, and Sorgan, as this charming series whisks you off for fly-through tours of the Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe September Issue (2009)
A documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDownloaded (2013)
A documentary that explores the downloading revolution; the kids that created it, the bands and the businesses that were affected by it, and its impact on the world at large.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMore than a Game (2008)
This documentary follows NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio and James' journey to fame.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKaty Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisElstree 1976 (2015)
A documentary about ten very different lives connected by having appeared onscreen wearing masks or helmets in Star Wars.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOur Planet: Behind the Scenes (2019)
Years spent recording footage of creatures from every corner of the globe is bound to produce a bit of drama. Here's a behind-the-scenes look.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNecessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics (2013)
A documentary detailing the epic Rogues' Gallery of DC Comics from The Joker and Lex Luthor, Sinestro, Darkseid and more, this documentary will explore the Super Villains of DC Comics.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRewind This! (2013)
Home video changed the world. The cultural and historical impact of the VHS tape was enormous. This film traces the ripples of that impact by examining the myriad aspects of society that were altered by the creation of videotape.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLove, Marilyn (2013)
Using the book 'Fragments', which collects Marilyn Monroe's poems, notes and letters, and with participation from the Arthur Miller and Truman Capote estates who have contributed more material, each of the actresses will embody the legend at various stages in her life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)
A documentary on the life of John Lennon, with a focus on the time in his life when he transformed from a musician into an antiwar activist.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFor the Love of Spock (2016)
The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLooking for Richard (1996)
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Secret (2006)
Interviews with leading authors, philosophers and scientists, with an in-depth discussion of the Law of Attraction. The audience is shown how they can learn and use 'The Secret' in their everyday lives.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAlone in the Wilderness (2004)
Dick Proenneke retired at age 50 in 1967 and decided to build his own cabin in the wilderness at the base of the Aleutian Peninsula, in what is now Lake Clark National Park. Using color footage he shot himself, Proenneke traces how he came to this remote area, selected a homestead site and built his log cabin completely by himself. The documentary covers his first year in-country, showing his day-to-day activities and the passing of the seasons as he sought to scratch out a living alone in the wilderness.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHarry Potter: A History Of Magic (2017)
A thrilling journey through legends, belief and folklore, this film goes behind the scenes with the British Library as they search to tell that story through objects in their collection, in an ambitious new exhibition: Harry Potter: A History Of Magic. J.K. Rowling, who is lending unseen manuscripts, drawings and drafts from her private archives (which will sit alongside treasures from the British Library, as well as original drafts and drawings from Jim Kay) talks about some of the personal items she has lent to the exhibition and gives new insight into her writing, looking at some of the objects from the exhibition that have fired her imagination.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHow to Make a Sandwich (2020)
Based on the popular phone service, "How To Make a Sandwich" is a short film directed by Drake Sanderson that depicts the rise of media star, Peter Willard, and his acclaimed sandwich-making skills. From breads to meats to condiments, follow Peter as he teaches you how to make the perfect sandwich!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Will Work for Views: The Lo-Fi Life of Weird Paul (2017)
A film exploring the life of “Weird Paul.” After 30 years, 2000 videos, 800 songs, & 42 albums, he’s still not giving up on his dream.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
MEGUMI The Campaign (1989)
Megumi Odaka (小高恵美) idol VHS tape, Megumi the Campaign - Idol Roke Zenkoku Jyuudan, 1989. She is best known for the role of Miki Saegusa in six Godzilla films from 1989 to 1995.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Video World (2013)
A short documentary about the final weeks of an independent video store in Woodbury, CT.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Movie Hoarders: From VHS to DVD and Beyond! (2021)
Filmmakers and collectors lift the curtain on their manic media obsession that is not only a huge part of their lives, but the lifeblood of their existence!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
On The Go - Repeat Offender (1995)
Hip-Hop Culture and Graffiti Video Magazine
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
VHS Revolution (2017)
Using testimonies by pioneers and witnesses of the times, delve into the feverish visual culture the media generated – with far-fetched examples of canine television games, seduction manuals, aerobics class while holding a baby, among others.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Lost & Found Video Night Mixtape (2022)
Before Everything Is Terrible!, before TIM & ERIC’S AWESOME SHOW, GREAT JOB!, there was THE LOST & FOUND VIDEO NIGHT -- a series of ten found footage compilations released in the early 2000s. Available only through mail order, these compilations helped define the culture of video mixtapes. In partnership with the original creators, AGFA has compiled and remixed the best-of-the-best LOST & FOUND clips to bring you THE LOST & FOUND VIDEO NIGHT MIXTAPE! Filled with celebrity meltdowns, gonzo evangelists, and home movies from the void, this is a hallucinogenic journey through a dream-like wonderland of found footage lunacy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
meppets (2026)
who will i meep next? 12 months of puppet making condensed into a single film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Access: Your Future (1988)
From Bob Jones University, this video will teach young Christians how to pick the perfect college.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition?
The closest matches to Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition are High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020), The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition?
Start with High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020), the closest match to Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition.
What is the highest-rated movie like Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition?
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012), rated 7.1/10 by 295 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition?
meppets (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition?
Yes: High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special (2020), The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022).
How are movies similar to Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Department 56: The Building of a Village Tradition, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.